By Mikee Natinga Norico
CPU-CHM student interns pose for a group photo during their send-off to Hong Kong for the six-month Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) at The Murray Hong Kong.
On December 17, 2025, Central Philippine University’s College of Hospitality Management (CPU–CHM) formally sent off its first batch of students under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) during a send-off ceremony.
The ceremony marked the deployment of 11 CHM interns for a six-month international internship program, with five students assigned to Hong Kong and six students to Thailand. The interns will undergo industry training at The Murray Hong Kong, Pimalai Phuket, and Lebua Bangkok—prestigious hospitality establishments known for their global standards of service and excellence.
According to CHM Travel and SIAP Coordinator Asst. Prof. Ismael Almajar Jr., MBM, the send-off signified a milestone for the college as it officially launched its first batch of SIAP participants bound for Hong Kong and Phuket, Thailand. He emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and required commitment, discipline, and perseverance from the students.
To qualify for the program, interns must be fourth-year CHM students with good academic standing and no derogatory records. They were required to submit their transcripts of records from first to third year, complete their research defense, and undergo at least 100 hours of training at La Maison in Leganes to gain hands-on experience in customer handling. Asst. Prof. Almajar added that the process involved coordination among the university, travel agency, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and host companies, making patience and diligence essential traits for applicants.
Student interns from CPU College of Hospitality Management pose for a group photo during their send-off to Thailand for the six-month Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) at Pimalai Phuket and Lebua Bangkok.
“For The Murray Hong Kong alone, the interns underwent two rounds of interviews—first with the Human Resource Department and then with the department heads they would be assigned to,” Almajar shared. Out of the applicants, five students were eventually accepted after the final interviews.
The interns are expected to complete their six-month training and return to the Philippines on June 29, 2026, based on their visa validity. Their last day of work is scheduled on June 28, 2026.
Asst. Prof. Almajar encouraged aspiring SIAP applicants to maintain professionalism and a heart for service, noting that the program, a CHED initiative, is a transformative step toward global competitiveness. “Be diligent and professional, even if the workplace feels casual. Excellence in small tasks opens doors for greater responsibilities,” he said, citing Colossians 3:23 as a guiding principle.
One of the interns, Ma. Irish M. Galimba, shared that preparations for the SIAP internship began as early as July 2025, six months before their departure. She recalled undergoing mock interviews arranged by the travel agency, document processing, visa applications, and balancing academic responsibilities while preparing for the international training.
“There were around 15 students who wanted to pursue their internship in Hong Kong, and I was fortunate to be part of the first four accepted at The Murray,” Galimba said. She described the process as challenging, requiring not only financial resources but also dedication, resilience, and faith.
For future SIAP aspirants, Galimba advised honest self-assessment and readiness to step out of one’s comfort zone. “This internship demands passion, discipline, and hard work. If you are willing to grow and be challenged, opportunities abroad await,” she said, referencing Proverbs 3:5–6 as her source of encouragement.
As the interns embark on their international journey, CHM faculty reminded them to persevere and remain faithful in their work, drawing inspiration from Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”